The classification rules of the International Federation for Boccia state that athletes with a physical impairment that affects controlled movement in all four limbs are eligible to compete in the sport at the Paralympics.

Classification also groups athletes in classes, defined by the degree to which they are limited in their ability to perform activities within that sport. In Boccia there are four classes for competition:

• BC1 – athletes with cerebral palsy who can either kick or throw the ball
• BC2 – athletes with cerebral palsy who find it a little easier to throw than BC1 athletes
• BC3 – athletes with cerebral palsy who cannot independently kick or throw the ball three metres, and who therefore use a ramp
• BC4 – athletes with an impairment other than cerebral palsy who have difficulty in throwing the ball

Read an overview of classification at the London 2012 Paralympic Games